CYRUS CHESTNUT AT MILLSAPS, SEPTEMBER 19, 2003

   Cyrus Chestnut, jazz pianist, opened the 1st season of the Bell Concert
Series with a memorable performance. Although there was not a formal
program, his offering did have structure, with a number of individual
selections. They were varied, and familiar themes, from gospel as well
as the blues, were woven into his playing at various points. All of
his selections had the freshness of improvisation; some probably began
as improvisations and evolved into compositions. In any case it was
awesome to contemplate. Skill in improvisation requires a musician to
have hundreds of moves that can be called on instantly and in any key, and
each of Chestnut's selections had new moves that were not used earlier
in the evening. Throughout the program Chestnut combined moods and moves
to provide continuing variety and excitement.

   The Millsaps Bell Series is presented in memory of Mrs. J.Y. Bell,
grandmother of U.S. Ambassador to Portugal John Palmer. We are grateful
to the Palmer family for helping make this series possible.

  
                                                      - Glenn A. Gentry